Free swimming at Dunolly and Talbot outdoor pools

Published on 28 November 2024

With summer beginning next week, the Dunolly and Talbot outdoor swimming pools will start opening to the community for free, whenever the temperature is 25 degrees or more. The season commences this Sunday 1 December until Monday 10 March 2025.

Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Councillor Grace La Vella said outdoor pools are an important community hub.

“These are fantastic places to relax, catch up with friends and cool off on long summer days. Both of the outdoor pools have special areas for toddlers, shading, and are very well kept by our Operations teams.

“They provide a perfect social hub for children, their parents, families and young people. Plus they’re great places for a lazy picnic dinner!”

The Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre will also remain open later until 7pm on weekends, with reduced casual rates for swimming in the pool hall throughout the season.

Centre Co-Ordinator Caitlin Butler said the facility is in great shape for the summer ahead.

“The newly tiled 25 metre pool is looking fantastic and is now much safer and easier to keep clean. It’s terrific the work’s been done so everyone can feel like they’re in a new pool.

“With families facing so many financial pressures this year, the reduced casual rates make the pool great value, great fun and a healthy way to stay active.”

Mayor Cr Grace La Vella said she understands the wait for a new Maryborough outdoor pool was difficult for the community.

“We’ll continue to advocate tirelessly to State and Federal governments for the millions we need to rebuild our heritage Olympic Pool, to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations.” 

“The Olympic pool is more than 80 years old, and it’s remarkable it held together for as long as it did.  To rebuild the main pool from scratch is a big job, but we won’t rest until it happens.”

“In the meantime, Council has replaced the iconic pavilion’s roof, drainage and rendering, halting any deterioration. The Octagonal Pool is also finished and looks fantastic.”